Cafe de Flore Brings a French Twist to Stafford

"I like being surrounded by beautiful things," says Heather Parker, downtown Stafford's newest shop owner. The truth of this statement is obvious. Cafe de Flore is filled with soft, muted colors, a French-eclectic vibe, and the kind of feminine items that fill high-end boutiques in destination towns all over the globe, but it's so much more than that.

Photos courtesy of Pat Malone Photography.

Last spring, Parker started a micro-farm at her home in Ellington, where she grows flowers. Her Wildflowers Farm quickly picked up steam as Parker created locally-grown bouquets for weddings, showers, and other special events (there's also a CSA you can sign up for on the website). Wildflowers Farm also has a CSA, and as the business grew quickly, Parker began looking for a place to set up shop. A place where brides could come for consultations and CSA members could pick up their flower shares. She posted on one of the Stafford Facebook pages looking for location ideas, but 300 responses later, Parker still had not found the right place. Then, a few months later, Jodi Harmon from The Stafford Cidery and Local Vibe reached out. She asked if Parker would want to take over the space at 72 Main Street that housed Local Vibe. Without hesitation, Parker said yes.

Photos courtesy of Pat Malone Photography.

So, technically, the business is Cafe de Flore at Wildflowers Farm. Yes, you can pop in to buy high-quality teas, pretty towels, a candle, pottery, or any of the "beautiful things" Parker has surrounded herself with. Soon, however, the shop should also be filled with flowers. Instead of pick-your-own flowers, you can make your arrangement. Not gifted at flower arranging? Parker will gladly whip one up for you. She envisions buckets of flowers spilling out onto the sidewalk, just like a pretty French flower cafe (hence the name). Eventually, she hopes to host Sunday tea time in the shop. If you want to book the cafe's services for your shower or wedding, you better hurry. Parker said she's almost fully booked for 2026.

Photo courtesy of Pat Malone Photography.  

We had a long discussion, and as is so often the case when I talk to a new (or old) business in Stafford, Parker said being a part of the larger Stafford community is crucial to her. She sees a lot of potential in our increasingly bustling downtown and thinks her shop can be integral to bringing a different kind of visitor to town. While her flower farm may target brides and soon-to-be mothers, her shop caters to an older, more established clientele who admire beautiful things as much as she does.

So far, she says that the formula is working. Friends looking for places to meet stop into her shop and browse, only to learn about the flower farm. Quite often, return customers come back weekly to see what's new. Men come in to find gifts for their wives. Parker says it's rare that these browsers don't find something to purchase from her eclectic inventory.

See Parker's commitment to the larger community in action at a Mother's Day crossover event with Primrose Salon & Antiques. On Saturday, May 10, you can join Wildflowers Farm at the unique Lyons Road salon and shop to arrange your fresh bouquet. Buy your ticket here.